Joel Embiid makes the MVP debate look silly as 76ers thrash Nuggets, Nikola Jokic

Despite the Philadelphia 76ers having a tough slate with a meeting with the defending champs on the second night of a back-to-back, the team managed to conquer the Denver Nuggets en route to a 126-121 win to improve their record to 26-13. Joel Embiid was fully healthy in his anticipated showdown with Nikola Jokic, eventually piloting the winning effort with another stellar performance to the tune of 41 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists.

It was a statement win for Embiid and the 76ers, which were just coming off a rough patch with the reigning MVP missing seven of their last nine games entering Tuesday. Nevertheless, Embiid put on one of his best nights yet, and put everyone doubting his MVP case on notice.

Joel Embiid, 76ers make bold statement with impressive win over Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

While Embiid has been the undisputed frontrunner in the MVP discussion this season, his naysayers have once again been spouting nonsense to dilute an otherwise clean case for the reigning MVP to repeat.

Sure, Embiid may be on track to log less than 65 games this season — a new requirement to be considered for the plum — but aside from that, there is literally no other argument to be made against him and his clear path for the hardwood.

As many have mentioned repeatedly, Embiid is putting forth relatively one of, if not the best individual season in the history of the NBA. But as if that’s not enough, some have magnified the team’s games against weaker competition to macerate his case and discredit him.

And what better way to dispel those by leading the team to a very impressive win over the current NBA champions and Finals MVP, right?

At this point, no one should act as if the MVP race isn’t Joel Embiid’s to lose. No disrespect to other worthy candidates (I mean, Embiid himself called Jokic the best player in the league following the win), but no other player has a stronger case than him with the kind of numbers and winning impact he’s turning in every single night.

So long as the Philadelphia 76ers continue racking up impressive wins this season, Joel Embiid should be hoisting up the MVP trophy at the end of the season. Hopefully, that’s not the only hardware he wins come summer.